Understanding Your Medicare Benefits for Diabetes Supplies
Important Update
Medicare coverage for diabetes supplies has expanded significantly in recent years, including comprehensive coverage for continuous glucose monitors (CGM) for qualified seniors.
Medicare Part B Diabetes Coverage
Medicare Part B covers diabetes supplies and services as durable medical equipment (DME) when prescribed by your doctor. This includes:
Covered Diabetes Supplies
Monitoring Equipment
- • Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM)
- • Blood glucose monitors
- • Test strips
- • Lancets and lancing devices
- • Glucose control solutions
Treatment Supplies
- • Insulin (when using pump or pen)
- • Insulin syringes
- • Insulin pump supplies
- • Therapeutic shoes (when qualified)
- • Diabetes self-management training
CGM Coverage Details
Continuous Glucose Monitors represent one of the most significant advances in diabetes care covered by Medicare:
What's Covered:
- CGM receiver or compatible smartphone app
- Sensors (typically 90-day supply)
- Transmitter replacement as needed
- Initial training and setup
- Ongoing technical support
Your Cost:
With Medicare Part B
- • 20% coinsurance after deductible
- • Typically $0-50 per month
- • No upfront equipment costs
With Supplement Insurance
- • Often $0 out-of-pocket
- • Covers the 20% coinsurance
- • No monthly costs
Traditional Diabetes Supply Coverage
Blood Glucose Testing:
| Supply | Coverage Limit | Your Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Test Strips | 100-300 per month* | 20% coinsurance |
| Lancets | 100-300 per month* | 20% coinsurance |
| Glucose Monitor | 1 every 5 years | 20% coinsurance |
*Quantity depends on insulin use and testing frequency
Insulin Coverage:
Medicare covers insulin in different ways depending on how it's administered:
- Insulin pumps: Covered under Part B as DME
- Injectable insulin: Covered under Part D prescription plans
- Insulin pens: Covered under Part B when medically necessary
- Syringes and needles: Covered under Part B
Maximizing Your Benefits
Money-Saving Tips
- • Use Medicare-approved suppliers for best coverage
- • Consider CGM to reduce test strip costs
- • Take advantage of diabetes self-management training
- • Review your Medicare Advantage plan annually
- • Ask about manufacturer patient assistance programs
Special Programs and Services
Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT):
Medicare covers up to 10 hours of initial diabetes education and 2 hours annually thereafter. This includes:
- Nutrition counseling
- Blood sugar monitoring training
- Medication management
- Exercise planning
- Foot care education
Therapeutic Shoes:
If you have diabetic foot disease, Medicare may cover:
- One pair of therapeutic shoes per year
- Two additional pairs of inserts
- Shoe modifications if needed
Maximize Your Medicare Diabetes Benefits
Our Medicare specialists will review your coverage and help you access all available benefits, including free CGM devices if you qualify.
Call Now: 1-833-448-3412Free benefits review • No obligation • Medicare specialists available
Common Questions
Do I need a referral for diabetes supplies?
No referral is needed, but you do need a prescription from your doctor for most diabetes supplies covered by Medicare.
Can I use any supplier?
For best coverage, use Medicare-approved suppliers. Using non-approved suppliers may result in higher out-of-pocket costs.
What if Medicare denies coverage?
You have the right to appeal Medicare decisions. Our specialists can help you through the appeals process if needed.
Your Next Step
Understanding your Medicare benefits is the first step to better diabetes management. Our Medicare specialists can review your specific coverage, help you access all available benefits, and ensure you're getting the most from your Medicare plan.